(a) whether the Government is aware that the NGT has banned coal mining in Meghalaya and the same matter is in Supreme Court and if so, the details thereof; and
(b) whether the Government has filed affidavit for the same and if so the details thereof?
MINISTER OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS, COAL AND MINES
(SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI)
(a): The National Green Tribunal (NGT), vide Order dated 17.04.2014 in OA No.73/2014, had banned rat hole mining of coal in the State of Meghalaya. The NGT, vide Order dated 31.08.2018, inter-alia, directed that the orders of ban on rat hole mining will continue, subject to further orders of Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.
(b): The Government has filed a Status Note by way of affidavit before Hon’ble Supreme Court of India on 24.07.2018 in Civil Appeal Dy. No. 3067/2018, filed by Lber Laloo, challenging the interlocutory orders of NGT in OA No, 73/2014. Subsequently, on the direction of the Hon''ble Supreme Court of India, vide its Order dated 19.02.2019, to take a decision on the proposal of the Government of Meghalaya for exempting the State of Meghalaya from certain provisions of Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act 1957 by way of issuance of Presidential Notification, another affidavit has been filed on 28.03.2019 conveying the decision of the Government.
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